DCI investigation into Judge James continues

According to Anastasia Burton, Deputy Communications Director with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox’s Office, the investigation of Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James is still underway.

The investigation, which involves missing court funds, is being conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice at the request of Mineral County Attorney Marcia Boris.

In an August email exchange with the Mineral Independent, Burton said that the goal of the investigative team was to have the investigation wrapped up by the end of the month.

“That may be delayed if additional follow up is required,” Burton added.

In recent emails to the Mineral Independent, no indication of an estimated end date for the investigation was given.

Judge James is currently on a voluntary leave of absence from her position as justice of the peace.

Mineral County Commissioners passed Resolution 8.16.13 on August 16 during a regular session of the commission.

The resolution names Kathleen Brown and retired District Judge Douglas Harkin as “approved substitute justices of the peace pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-10-231(2).”

Also included in the resolution are Sanders County Justice of the Peace Donald M. Strine and Plains City Judge Joe Eisenbrandt, who “have agreed to act as substitute justices of the peace as their schedules allow.”

The resolution concludes by stating that Mineral County will be “responsible for reasonable fees and costs” which includes the cost of travel and per diem for the substitute judges.